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2. Pichvai India; Rajasthan 19th c. Cloth 117 cm |
Created on fabric, pitchvai - "that which is hung behind" in Sanskrit - are unique paintings as rich in colour as Rajasthan. They are used as backdrops in temples by the members of the Hindu sect Pushti Marg. The first pitchvai date from the 18th century and most come from Gujarat and Rajastan. Certain models also come from the Deccan Plateau. Pitchvai portray either episodes from the life of Krishna as an incarnation of the god Vishnu, or scenes of adoration for this deity within the temple. Unlike the adoration of certain gods, Krishna was not adored in public but in private temples built like spacious palaces. These paintings are meant to be changed either daily, seasonally, or for specific rites or religious feasts, depending on the subject of the piece. The hindu religious movement Pushti Marg was founded by Vallabhacharya (1478-1532), who introduced a type of adoration devoted to the young Krishna or Shrinathji, considering that this was the most complete incarnation of Vishnu. Krishna, always presented with blue skin, was born in Mathura from one black hair of Vishnu. He is the son of prince Vasudeva and of Devaki, while Balarama, his brother, was born from one white hair of Vishnu, the second god of the hindu Trimurti. Considered to be the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu, he is mainly depicted in one of four forms: as a child, shepherd, seducer or flute player. The jewellery, of unspeakable beauty, is immediately recognizable and very fine. The colours, sparkling and varied, have retained their glory and are proportional to the ritual paid to Krishna: one of unequalled wealth! Detail: Close-up |